Why Harmony in Interior Design Should Be Prioritized
There are many principles in interior design including proportion, balance, emphasis, rhythm and harmony. Of these all, harmony is crucial in achieving a pleasant composition. Remember that a harmonious living space is the epitome of good design.
What Is Harmony?
Defined in the basic manner, harmony is the methodical arrangement of the design parts in order to form a consistent and pleasant whole. One of the contemporary design trends gravitates towards eclecticism which is the creation of a cohesive room design by mixing different design elements.
On the contrary, having an element or two that is inharmonious to the whole may appear to be unique and definitive of your personal touch. But having a lot of major elements opposing one another in line, mood and color can create confusion or a sense of chaos.
It is, therefore, key to plan the room design wherein harmony abounds. The different kinds of furniture must blend with the overall theme.
One other key to a harmonious style is to mix different periods or styles in furniture. Take note of the different periods, though, so that the mood is still set on the same level. So whether you have chosen formal or informal, what truly matters is that all other elements lean towards the chosen theme.
For example, a ladder back chair that is rather rustic looking will never harmonize with an elegant, slim Georgian classic console. What would work in its place is an early American butterfly counter as both are simple, country pieces.
Harmony can be likened to jigsaw puzzles since putting unrelated pieces can still create a whole; it is a challenge, sure, but it is doable and the mixture is simply wonderful.
The task of the designer then is to piece together everything and then achieve a thing of beauty in the process. This requires a vivid imagination not only for the designer but also for the homeowner since they will need to work together. An interior designer is an expert whose mind also developed a mental picture of the finished room as soon as the pieces are all placed together. The mental picture serves as a guide for the designer to execute his moves in a more successful manner.
There is a fundamental design philosophy that all interior designer need to follow and this is to highlight the positive and to eradicate all the negatives. Where the negative parts are impossible to eliminate, an interior designer must at least be able to camouflage them. An example is a room that comes with windows which are unappealing to a designer. Given a specific budget, of course, the windows cannot be removed, but camouflaging them can be the route for the designer to take. In this case, a window treatment could be used to hide undesirable features, in this case, the windows.
Harmonizing the room can all begin by looking around it. Find any unique features that you can highlight or might need to hide. This activity can point to a better plan. Think of a workable mental image which will bring about a well-executed design for a room.
Striking features include a fireplace, a scenic view, a grand staircase or any other remarkable architectural detail. For example, if you want the living room to have a distinct look, then be sure to highlight a key feature such as the fireplace. Make sure that the eyes of your visitors will veer towards that living room detail.
Keep in mind that harmony is vital in any home and it could either represent a unique variety or unity. Unity brings about cohesion while variety spells diversity. Harmony, therefore, should evoke feelings of gratification and balance.
Useful Reference Links
Principles of Interior Design Part 5: Harmony and Unity
The Principles of Design – Unity & Harmony
Design Rules: Balance & Harmony
The 7 Principles of Interior Design
